Rescuing the Avanti #1001
LeMay-America’s Car Museum continues to make progress on the Avanti #1001 Rescue Project.
ACM makes progress on restoring first-ever sold Avanti
LeMay-America's Car Museum continues to make progress on the Avanti #1001 Rescue Project. The car, donated to the museum in 2001 sporting a psychedelic green-sparkle color, was confirmed by Avanti Corporation as #1001 - the first Avanti ever sold.
The museum launched the Avanti Rescue Project in 2011 and recruited help from members of the Studebaker Drivers Club and Avanti Owners Association International to begin the massive restoration process.
"This car used to turn heads back in the '60's and deserves to be restored to its original showroom condition," said Renee Crist, ACM Collections Manager.
Studebaker expert James Bell and an all-volunteer rescue team joined with ACM to take on the #1001 Rescue Project, which is moving forward due to generous financial support from the ACM board of directors, the public and donated parts and service from Avanti enthusiasts.
Hundreds of volunteer hours have already been poured into restoring the #1001. After the team carefully dismantled the car and stripped away the green-sparkle paint, the car traveled to Sunnyside, Wash., where Ron and DeAnne Hochhalter, lifetime Studebaker Drivers Club members, painted the car "Avanti White," – its original color.
"The car's significance in American automotive design, innovation, and manufacturing reinforces ACM's story of America's Love Affair with the Automobile." said Crist.
The Rescue Project continues, but it won't be long before visitors can see this stunning, modern masterpiece of 1960's American automotive culture.
The 1963 Studebaker Avanti #1001 was donated by Lakewood, Wash., resident Dr. Daniel Cook.
